A new survey from insurance company Allianz Life (ALIZY) revealed that many Americans are growing uneasy about rising consumer prices, tariffs, and the risk of a steep market drop. According to the Q1 study, 51% of respondents believe that another major market crash is coming, up from 46% in the last quarter. Only 26% said they feel comfortable with current market conditions and are ready to invest, which was a notable decline from 31% in the previous quarter.
These worries come after the stock market fell into correction territory earlier this month. Although markets have recovered slightly, trading remains unstable as people wait to see what happens with President Trump’s tariff plans. Indeed, the White House is expected to announce a new wave of tariffs on April 2, which could further affect the economy. These tariffs are aimed at U.S. trading partners like China, Mexico, and Canada and are part of the administration’s strategy to push for what it considers fairer trade.
The survey also found that 75% of Americans are worried tariffs will increase their cost of living, and 71% think inflation will get worse over the next year. As the first quarter wraps up, the S&P 500 (SPY) is down about 2%, while the Nasdaq (QQQ) is down around 4%. It is worth noting that the survey included responses from over 1,000 adults across the country.
Is SPY a Buy Right Now?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust based on 410 Buys, 87 Holds, and seven Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average SPY price target of $683.97 per share implies 19.9% upside potential.
